Pip's Expectations in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations

Pip's Expectations in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations

Throughout the novel there are many expectations of Pip. They are

appointed to him by many different characters, as well as himself.

These expectations were very stressful for Pip and often wore him down

to breaking point. Right from the start of the book we are introduced

to many characters and we find out shortly why they thrust such 'Great

Expectations' on Pip. Eventually we discover more about these and find

out if they come true.

In the beginning of the book we are introduced to Mrs Gargery. We know

that Mrs Gargery is Pips sister who has been given the task of looking

after him. When she hears that Pip has a chance of going to Mss

Havishams, she immediately puts pressure on Pip by expecting him to be

good and hopefully inherit some of her fortune, "this boy's fortune

may be made by going to Miss Havishams house". Many of the characters

in the book were introduced before Pip was granted this opportunity,

also expected Pip to inherit a fortune, this put an immense strain on

Pips well being. One of the characters, who also expected Pip to

inherit riches, was his uncle, Pumblechook. Pip did not like

Pumblechook as he was constantly stern with him. We know Pumblechook

was responsible for Pip getting this opportunity, so Pumblechoock

obviously was not just hoping he would get some money from Pips

inheritance, he expected it, "that boy will make his fortune he is no

ordinary boy". Quotations like this one have often made in the book

because many people felt the same way.

Joe was Pips best friend right up until the latter stages of the

story. In the beginning of the novel...

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...elt bad, because he knew

Abel had risked his life to come back to England. So out of the good

in his heart Pip said yes. So once again he had lived up to another of

Abel's expectations.

Throughout the book we learn that a lot of the expectations are

incredibly demanding for Pip and often wear him down. On some

occasions Pip does not exceed some of the expectations. When this

happens, the characters that have appointed the expectation, often get

very disappointed, as in Joe's case. He had expected Pip to become an

apprentice and eventually take over the business but when Pip got an

opportunity to become a gentleman he encouraged him to go, "If you

think money can ever pay me back for losing the little child". Many

characters in the book also felt the same way as what they had hoped

for many years could not happen.